A former participant in the High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program at Mount Royal Collegiate is giving back to the program which he credits for his successful career.

Kyle MacDonald participated in Mount Royal Collegiate’s High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program over ten years ago, but he says it shaped him into person he is today.

MacDonald says he credits the HCAP program for his successful career, which allowed him to own a construction company by the age of 27.

He is now a partner at CandorBuild Construction Corporation, and he hopes the students in HCAP will take the opportunity seriously, as the trades are facing a generational shift that leaves the labour force quite dry.

“There’s a lot of people exiting the industry due to retirement, and less and less people entering the industry. I think this program is a great tool to help with that. I hope that most, if not all, of these kids take this as a serious opportunity, and it could set them up for success.”

He attributes the weak labour force to negative connotations about the construction industry.

“A lot of it, I think, would probably be just misconception about what the construction industry really is…It’s kind of had a bad rap over the last number of years, and it’s now turning into an industry full of young professionals.”

To show his appreciation for the program, MacDonald donated tools and toolbelts to this year’s students.

“It feels so good to be back here and giving back. I give this program a lot of credit to my success so far, and this is the least I could do for where it set me up 10 years later,” he admitted.

In the course, the students will be learning the ropes of framing, masonry, cabinetry, electrical wiring, plumbing, painting, flooring, and more.